Oral Health Status of School Children in South Africa: Quasi Experimental Research
1
Public Health and Health Systems, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The global prevalence of oral disease including dental caries varies sig-nificantly across different regions, and South Africa is no exception. Although dental caries is a major public health concern, it is largely preventable through the promotion of proper oral hygiene practices and screening. The study aimed to assess the oral health status of school children within selected primary schools in the Tshwane District, South Africa.
METHODS:
The study used a quasi-experimental design employing a quantitative research approach, structured into three phases: a pre-test assessment, the implementa-tion of the intervention, and a post-test evaluation. Dental screening was conducted on 390 primary school children selected from five selected primary schools. and participated willingly in the study. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistical tools.
RESULTS:
Prior to screening, 75.9% of partici-pants exhibited dental caries, while only 24.1% showed no signs of tooth decay. The participants’ oral hygiene care improved after reported high plaque score (19.0%) pre intervention which decreases (1.8%) post intervention, those with poor oral hygiene reduce (30.1%) pre intervention as compared (16.2%). The hygiene care improved after reported high plaque score (19.0%) pre intervention which decreases (1.8%) post inter-vention. The proportion of dmft in primary teeth recorded 37.3% pre intervention higher than post intervention (23.2%). Additionally, the record of DMFT in permanent teeth (49.2%) pre intervention compared to the post intervention (40.8%). The study reported similar percentage on the treatment during pre and post intervention (75.9%). Conclu-sion: Dental screening intervention yielded promising short-term results, particularly in plaque reduction and caries detection. However, its long-term success hinges on inte-grating school efforts with parental support and improving access to follow-up dental care. A comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach remains essential to ensure lasting oral health benefits for children
The global prevalence of oral disease including dental caries varies sig-nificantly across different regions, and South Africa is no exception. Although dental caries is a major public health concern, it is largely preventable through the promotion of proper oral hygiene practices and screening. The study aimed to assess the oral health status of school children within selected primary schools in the Tshwane District, South Africa.
METHODS:
The study used a quasi-experimental design employing a quantitative research approach, structured into three phases: a pre-test assessment, the implementa-tion of the intervention, and a post-test evaluation. Dental screening was conducted on 390 primary school children selected from five selected primary schools. and participated willingly in the study. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistical tools.
RESULTS:
Prior to screening, 75.9% of partici-pants exhibited dental caries, while only 24.1% showed no signs of tooth decay. The participants’ oral hygiene care improved after reported high plaque score (19.0%) pre intervention which decreases (1.8%) post intervention, those with poor oral hygiene reduce (30.1%) pre intervention as compared (16.2%). The hygiene care improved after reported high plaque score (19.0%) pre intervention which decreases (1.8%) post inter-vention. The proportion of dmft in primary teeth recorded 37.3% pre intervention higher than post intervention (23.2%). Additionally, the record of DMFT in permanent teeth (49.2%) pre intervention compared to the post intervention (40.8%). The study reported similar percentage on the treatment during pre and post intervention (75.9%). Conclu-sion: Dental screening intervention yielded promising short-term results, particularly in plaque reduction and caries detection. However, its long-term success hinges on inte-grating school efforts with parental support and improving access to follow-up dental care. A comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach remains essential to ensure lasting oral health benefits for children
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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